Newsletter of Peace Lutheran Church

Every two or three years a news story appears about a toddler whose eye on the prize led him to crawl up the chute and inside one of those claw machines. What a parent’s nightmare that would be! While your first thought might be to insert two quarters and just drag them back over to the prize box, 9-1-1 is probably a better call. And then get a photo while you’re waiting for the fire department to arrive. People have been tempted to try their luck in claw machines since dinosaurs roamed the earth back in the 1890’s when they first appeared as candy dispensers. They gained popularity over the next few decades, especially as gambling was encouraged to stimulate the economy from the Depression years through WWII. Electric cranes had replaced hand cranked models, and candy was being replaced with coin rolls and currency. Last April, vox.com published an owner’s manual for one of the newer model machines. At least the pages showed how to adjust the claw pressure and how often it would actually grab hard enough to pick up a prize. Suddenly we learned that the length of time before

Save the Date!

July 2017

July 7/2 Peace BBQ 7/15 Whaley Funeral 7/18 SuperTuesday 7/25 Council meets 7/29 Special Friends

August 8/5 Sr High return from Special Friends 8/12 Dodger Night 8/18 ☮ Movie Night 8/25 PNO 3pm-7pm 8/26 Rally Sunday

September 9/1 F&FF 9/4 Labor Day 9/12 SuperTuesday 9/19 Council Oct: Pumpkin Fest

Beating the C law…

The Lord above is mighty - mightier than the sound of raging water, mightier than

the foaming waves of the sea.

- Psalm 93:4

Happy 4 t h !

→ cont ’d next page

cont ’d from previous page.. .the claw releases a potential prize can be preset. On average, as it turns out, a player can expect about one win in 18-28 tries. The manufacturer has since removed the manual from their website. Not that you would want to begrudge an entrepreneur from making a buck or two, but it’s a heads up that all machines may not be playing fair. Still, even tall odds won’t stop aficionados of the machines who were willing to share a few tips. Daily Beast entertainment reporter Jen Yamato and film critic Kim Morgan are very good at it. They’ve been so successful they donated garbage bags of stuffed animals from just one year’s play. They have learned how to spot a winning machine, and darned if it doesn’t sound a little like spotting another kind of winner. Here are some of their tips:

1. Check out the prize pit. If all the animals are facing front and are packed in like

sardines it’s going to be a tough go. Look for a machine where they’ve already been loosened up a little. People sometimes ask why we have three services around here. It began because two services didn’t allow a lot of space for visitors. We didn’t want them to have to sit in the overflow, like they didn’t belong or we didn’t care. And we didn’t want them to have to sit up front, where they might get covered in fire and brimstone ash. Now that Peace people have adjusted to their own time slot, it’s tough to go back. And I don’t think anyone would ever accuse us of being uptight about seating arrangements.

2. Watch the person in front of you. Sometimes we forget that people who know you are a Christian are probably watching. Anyone can look and act like an angel for an hour or two on Sunday morning, but how about halfway through the week? How are you responding to the troubles life sends your way by Wednesday or Thursday? No one expects you to rejoice over them, but don’t forget that God’s got your back. Don’t forget that he promises to walk through our troubles with us, upholding us and being our strength when ours is running low. The very worst thing that can happen to us is that we’ll end up in heaven sooner than later, and there’s nothing worse about that.

3. Pick your target carefully. Keep your eye on the prize, right? All through life, we should never lose sight of where we’re headed one day. This life, whether it’s 40, 60, 80 or a hundred years or more, is just temporary and we’re just passing through. Our goal is eternal life in the next world, where Jesus himself promised that a place is already prepared for every believer. 4. Play once you get a feel for the claw. You want to play once just to get a feel for how the machine is set up. How tightly the claw will hold a prize.

Some of them will grab onto something and then loosen their grip a little bit. We do get to practice our faith don’t we, but not in the sense that we’re taking it out for test drive. To practice our faith means living our faith. And we learn to live out our faith by constantly learning about our faith. The more we get a feel for Christianity, the more comfortable it will be, the more we’ll live it naturally without even thinking about it. Never stop learning. 5. Use most of your time getting the claw into position. Claw machines operate on a timer, and there’s only so much of it. Each of us has a limited amount of time here on earth, but in our case we don’t have to worry about whether or not we’re positioned just right to claim the prize. God took care of that for us when he sent his Son, Jesus, to suffer and die to take away all our sins. By faith we’re perfect in God’s eyes, positioned for heaven even before the waters of our baptism have dried. We are winners already! 6. Don’t assume every claw machine is rigged. We know now that all claw machines aren’t created or at least set up equal. And neither are all belief systems. They might all claim to be able to make you a winner, but if you look closely, you’ll see they’re rigged. Most of them require a life of good works, and even then there’s no way to know if you’ve done enough. They turn the cross into a question mark.

Others promise a prize but if you look closely you’ll see they don’t even get the God who wrote the owner’s manual right. There’s only one true God and only one way to be a winner in the game of life. Faith in Jesus, who beat a rigged system for us already. A system set up by Satan to make us fail after man’s fall into sin. Christianity can’t be

approached as just another path to heaven. It’s the one belief system that isn’t rigged. The only one. Salvation doesn’t depend on good luck. It’s a sure thing because God already gave us the prize. It’s ours now, and we’ll enjoy it in all its fullness someday. More than a prize really. A prize assumes you’ve done something to deserve it. Salvation is a straight up gift from God. We’re not trapped in a rigged machine. There are no gimmicks. No luck needed. Thanks be to God for making the one thing that matters a sure thing!

- Pastor Rob

Thanks be to God! VBSsuccess!

…And thanks to the many dedicated VBS volunteers that helped make our 2017 community outreach another successful one! 113 kids & families were blessed!

Linda La Jeunesse Mike Schultze Vera Alamillo Phil Hamilton Sandra Miller Stuart Regalia Ryan Tsai Millie Dunivin Melissa Hamilton Cathleen Miller Joyce Snow Tammy Ullerich Linda Elbert Julissa Herrera James Miller Janice Swanson Diana Wanke Nancy Fitch Paul Jankolskis Sonja Manzer Jennifer Swanson Linda Young Sharon Fraser Tom La Jeunesse Judy Nomi Dave Schmidt Carol Yung Meris Fraser Gabby Liu Rebecca Nomi Sasha Saenz Ele Zarcosy Keira Fraser Jeff Magill Belinda Poore April Schultze Gail Goesch Ricky Medina Melissa Poore Chelsea Schultze Christa Goesch Becky Medina Lucy Pommer Rachel Schleicher Irene Hutchison Debi Markley Dianne Pedersen Kevin Schleicher… THANK YOU, ALL 48 OF YOU!!!

Full house

Friday!

LUTHERAN NIGHT AT DODGER STADIUM Join family and friends fora fundraiser to benefit Lutheran Social Services of So Cal. On Saturday, AUG 12 @ 6:10pm watch the Dodger take on the Padres and help support LSS. To purchase tickets, please visit dodgers.com/Lutheran. Pricing varies on seating area, a donation of LSS is included in the price of each ticket. For more information or to purchase 20 or more tickets, please contact Britni How at (323) 224-1304 or email her at BritniH@ladodgers.com.

Remember in your prayers…

July 2nd, 2017Join us Sunday, July 2nd at our annual summer BBQ! The menu will include hot dogs with homemade chili sauce. Fellowship will be providing the dessert, homemade lemonade and iced tea. Please bring a salad or side dish to share. Our very own Peace Praise Band will be playing during the BBQ. Hope to see everyone!

Declaration of Dependence upon God our Creator and Redeemer !

Receiving cancer treatment: Glen Eborn, Aiden Farinella, (Rawlin & Toni Radle’s nephew), Nancy Johnson, Pat Lehman, Edie Marsh, Clara Smith (Joyce Snow’s cousin) and Gary Phillips, (Gayle Waddell’s brother).

Prayers for healing and strength: Lily Baehr, Ada Bruns, Glen Eborn, Elias Fraser, Marie Griffin, Dennis Harding, Ken Haugrud, Vicki Hutter, Nancy Johnson, Carla Lacy, Pat Lehman, Connie Morris, Doug Morrison, Bee Muenich, Hedy Pein, Jim Pickler, Ingrid Poehler, Verna Rawlinson, Joyce Snow, David Stafford, Noreen Taylor, Bev Toro, Diana Townsend, Carol Troglia, Caroline Wentlandt and Rachael Ylizaliturri.

Jeremy Bronner, Jacob Chiles, (Bill & Linda Young’s son-in-law) Daniel Gross, (LaJoyce Brennan’s grandson), Davis Kelly, (Melodie Kelly’s son & Sonja Manzer’s grandson) Brian Miller, (Dave & Sandra Miller’s son), Stephen Volpei, (Connie Morris’ grandson) and Amy Waddell, also remember their families in your prayers.

JOIN US JULY 2nd !

A

Hap

py

Bub

bly

Birthday

GREETINGS FROM FAR AWAY!!! Stressed? No time to travel? No money to travel? Just need to get away? Well Sugar, you missed your chance!.

So sad.

The trip to Gardens of the World was fantastic. Our Peace group car-pooled from our parking lot. It is already fun. All the way to Thousand Oaks but when one enters, it is a different world. Beautiful. Serene. Stress drops away. In just a few steps, ones enter another country influence with the plants and flowers from far away. And many countries are represented. Water features, roses, all manner of examples of God's creation.

And the busy street so nearby is forgotten. It is a world away. Like all good Lutherans, we went to eat when finished.

If you missed it, pay attention and sign up next time. It is so worth the travel and we all loved the experience. It is truly a vacation in our own backyard. We loved having friends along, and we missed the poor, sad people who stayed on shore.

To0

0 0

Ric Tiongson 7/3 Bob Mucica 7/4 Ruth Hale 7/10 Sierra Denninger 7/10 Bee Muenich 7/11 Irene Hutchison 7/11 Pat Lehman 7/13 Ahn Martin 7/16 Serena Zizumbo 7/19 Helmut Klein 7/20 Lilah Ylizaliturri 7/21 Al Bosman 7/23 Melanie Zizumbo 7/24 Michelle Ullerick 7/25 Pat Massey 7/25 William Frye 7/28 Bonnie Gatling 7/29

Happy Anniversary to…

Peter & Irma Sandstrum 7/7 Blaine & Diana Wanke 7/10 Ibsen & Michelle Lourenco 7/11 John & Jane Capodice 7/11 Clint & Kathleen Harding 7/12 Kevin & Sharon Krumdieck 7/26

Hello friends & members! The Trustees had yet another successful turnout to accomplish some pretty hard work on our church grounds. A group of Peace members & friends planted over 100 plants - so generously donated by Scott Klittich and Otto & Sons Nursery! The Trustees also finished putting up covers for the newly installed roller shades in the preschool classrooms and overflow rooms. Unbeknownst to me, there was some unexpected work on an irrigation issue, but with all that went on, all the work got accomplished!!! I covered the property four times over; was I ever tired! I am very happy that everyone who showed up worked so hard to get things done. Thank you, work volunteers! More work events are coming, so don’t miss out on all the fun!! Come out and help us keep the property lookin’ good!

David J. Miller, Head Trustee

Trustees: Lookin’ Good!

We live in a great country, a great city, live in probably the best climate in the world, attend a wonderful church, and have many church friends. What could be more reason to celebrate? We recently had our Peace Voters’ Assembly that went very well. We all agreed to a ministry plan that supports all of the great activities and ministries that are provided at Peace Lutheran Church. We have several individuals making tough decisions on our behalf so that we are good stewards of the money that is provided to Peace Lutheran Church. What could be more reason to celebrate? We have a wonderful Senior Pastor and Youth Pastor who minister daily to our needs and provide spiritual nourishment on a 24/7 basis. What could be more reason to celebrate? To the Founders of the United States of America and the completion of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our independence meant much more than a piece of parchment. Samuel Adams, known as the “Father of the American Revolution” said, “We have this day restored to Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His Kingdom come.” It was Adam’s view that in declaring their independence from Great Britain, the colonists were placing themselves under the only true “sovereign,”

the King of Kings and the LORD of lords. Adams believed that as God “reigns in Heaven” it was His desire to further His Kingdom in the New World “from the rising to the setting of the sun.” To John Adams, it was to be remembered as a “Day of Deliverance” from the control and oppression of tyrants, and it should be marked by acts of devotion to the God who delivers! To Sam Adams, and to his cousin John, the spiritual implications were significant. As God, the author of our liberty has “declared” us free from the power, dictates and cruel authority of the arch “tyrant”, the colonists were declaring themselves “free” to serve the King of Kings, and not an earthly tyrant. Their understanding of the event was theologically based, in a desire to serve the only true “sovereign”, Christ Himself. Sound familiar? We also remember another Independence Day that was declared by our God when He sent His only son to die on a cross that we might be saved from our sins by His death and resurrection. Jesus overcame death so that we might have life in Him. “No one comes to the Father except through me”, declared Jesus. As we celebrate another Independence Day for our freedoms in this great country, let also remember and celebrate what Jesus did for us all!

May God Continue to richly bless you all!!

Elders: Cause to CELEBRATE

Youth Get A Jump On Summer!

FREE FINANCIAL SEMINAR Saturday, July 8th 9AM – Noon

This is educational seminar only, no financial products will be sold during it. To discuss individual needs, appointments may be made with Amy & Sherith afterwards.

Worried about what will happen when you retire, or maybe about your family’s finances if your health fails. Are you concerned about not having enough money to leave your heirs or the causes you care about? If so, please join us for a free financial seminar presented by Thrivent at Peace Lutheran. We are opening this event up to the public. The seminar is completely free! Refreshments will be served. Please sign up or contact Diana Wanke (805-490-8212).

Even before the flock of grade school children stormed the Mighty Fortress of VBS at Peace last month, June saw youth get on board early with their summer activities. Melissa Poore was the first to take off - for a week-long youth conference entitled “Crosswise” at Concordia University, Irvine. Senior high students went to that faith & culture event from as far away as Nebraska. Driving by

Irvine, our junior high students, including recently confirmed Ryan Tsai, continued further south to San Diego’s Surf Camp for a little celebration. Along with Ryan were Judy Nomi and Derek Olewiler… There is one more youth trip on the books for this summer, and that is our perennial servant trip to Mt. Cross Lutheran Camp in Santa Cruz to help developmentally disabled adults enjoy a week at summer camp. Sign up with Mike to join our CtK friends 7/29-8/5.

Surf Camp ‘17

Special Friends Camp coming up: July 29 thru Aug 5: Sr High Servant Trip

Why Utah?

Utah is known as being the spiritual & cultural hub for the Mormon (LDS) Church. In Orem, 93% percent of the population adheres to the LDS church. At UVU, about 75% of the student population is considered LDS with a campus of ~35,000 students. IVCF is one of only 2 Christian clubs at UVU & there is a body of 1,000+ International students that are unreached.

How can you help?

In order to operate, this ministry has a need for 40 partners giving $100 a month. I ask you to pray to consider if this type of partnership would be possible. I truly believe in this ministry and I would love to have partners come with me! If $100/mo is not possible, any gift helps and is deeply appreciated!

Proclaiming PEACE THROUGH CHRIST Acts 10:36

INTERVARSITY Big move for April The International Gideon Society would

like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the generous people of Peace Lutheran Church for your donations last month to the Gideon’s during our recent visit. Your thoughtful donations will purchase more than 600 Scriptures to be shared around the world. God bless you!

The Thompsons - Serving God in West Africa

Moving… Settling… Traveling… Packing… Unpacking… Packing… Traveling… Reuniting... Studying… Recuperating… Waiting…

Since our last newsletter in April, life continues to be busy and eventful for us...and we love it!

We are now in the United States, beginning linguistic training and home service! Thanks be to God for His

protection and care throughout these last couple of months, spending our days in Ghana-Sierra Leone-South Africa-Sierra Leone, again...and now, the USA...home in Montana!! To God be the glory! To hear about all the exciting details & developments be sure to visit us on our Facebook page where you can also join our prayer and support team:

facebook.com/Meansofgrace

VBS MISSION FUNDS MORE VBS!

We are pleased to report that from our “Sharing God’s Mighty Word” offerings at the VBS the kids (and their generous families) helped raise $345. That’s enough to fund two whole VBS programs and then some!

GOD’S WORD CONTINUES TO SPREAD THRU BIBLE STUDIES

Here on the home front, we thank God for all our regular Bible study leaders. These men & women serve week-in and week-out. New to the leadership team is Kevin Krumdiek who is starting a class in July on “Why I’m Grateful To Be A Lutheran.” Sundays at 10:42am in the coffeehouse.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday2 8 & 11 AM Traditional Communion Service (Sanctuary)9:30 AM Praise Service 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:42 AM Sunday School Adult (Coffeehouse) 11:15 AM New Life (FH) 12:30 PM Church BBQ 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)

3 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

4 Independence

Day Office Closed

5 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study9:30 Preschool Chapel (Sanctuary)

6 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study (FH) 9:30 Preschool Chapel (Sanctuary) 7:00 PM Lifetree Café (Proverbs Coffeehouse)

7 8 10:00 AM Praise Team rehearsal

9 8 & 11 AM Traditional Service (Sanctuary)9:30 AM Praise Communion Service (FH) 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:42 AM Adult Class (Coffeehouse) 11:15 PM New Life (FH) 4:00 PM Boys (FH)

10 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

11 7:00 PM Super Tuesday (FH)

12 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study9:30 Preschool Chapel (Sanctuary)

13 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study/Breakfast (FH) 5:00 PM Many Meals 7:00 PM Lifetree Café (Coffeehouse)

14 6:30 PM Story tellers

15 10:00 AM Praise Team rehearsal 11:00 AM Memorial Service Betty Whaley

16 8 & 11 AM Traditional Communion Service (Sanctuary)9:30 AM Praise Service 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:42 AM Sunday School Adult (Coffeehouse) 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)

17 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

18 7:00 PM Church Council Meeting

19 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study9:30 Preschool Chapel (Sanctuary)

20 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study (FH)9:30 AM Adult Bible Study7:00 PM Lifetree Café (Coffeehouse)

21 22 10:00 AM Praise Team rehearsal

23 8 & 11 AM Traditional Service (Sanctuary)9:30 AM Praise Communion Service (FH) 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:42 AM Sunday School Adult (Coffeehouse) 11:15 AM New Life (FH) 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)

24 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

25 26 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study9:30 Preschool Chapel (Sanctuary)

27 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study (FH)9:30 AM Adult Bible Study7:00 PM Lifetree Café (Coffeehouse)

28 29 10:00 AM Praise Team rehearsal

30 8 & 11 AM Traditional Service (Sanctuary)9:30 AM Praise Service 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:42 AM Sunday School Adult (Coffeehouse) 11:15 AM New Life (FH) 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)

31 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

8/1 8/2 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study9:30 Preschool Chapel (Sanctuary)

8/3 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study (FH)9:30 AM Adult Bible Study7:00 PM Lifetree Café (Coffeehouse)

8/4 8/5 10:00 AM Praise Team rehearsal

DATE ELDER USHERS ALTAR READERS GREETERS ACOLYTES

July 2 Communion

Blaine Wanke

++++++++++++

Al Bosman

Ken Anderson* Scott Ehlers Glenn Benitz Art Schmidt ++++++++++++ Scott Klittich* Matt Schultze P. Sandstrum Mike Elbert

Nancy Fitch &

Millie Dunivin

Eleanore Zorkocy

++++++++++

Linda LaJeunesse

Bruce & Sharon Fraser

+++++++++++++

Connie Morris

Chandler Supple

+++++++++++++

Esper Petersen III

July 9 Blaine Wanke

++++++++++++

Al Bosman

Blaine Wanke* Gene O’Neal Keith Hedrick Todd Harter ++++++++++++ M. McCracken* Tom LaJeunesse

Nancy Fitch &

Millie Dunivin

Craig Frye

++++++++++

Dave Schmidt

Millie Dunivin

+++++++++++++

Blaine & Diana Wanke

William Frye

+++++++++++++

Judy Nomi

July 16 Communion Blaine Wanke

++++++++++++

Al Bosman

Craig Frye* Gary Taylor Karen Taylor Bill Young ++++++++++++ Rick Poore* Tom Taylor Dave Miller

Nancy Fitch &

Millie Dunivin

Peggy Frye

++++++++++

Lori Schultze

Gary & Charleee Spencer

+++++++++++++

Mike & Linda Elbert

Ryan Tsai

+++++++++++++

James Mille

July 23 Blaine Wanke

++++++++++++

Al Bosman

Lyle Lehman* Jim DeVries Bob Lacy Helmut Klein +++++++++++++Dave Schmidt* Roy Poehler Mike Hale

Nancy Fitch &

Millie Dunivin

Sarah Harter

++++++++++

Mike Elbert

Helmut & Susan Klein

+++++++++++++

Mike & Ruth Hale

Ethan Dickson

+++++++++++++

Melissa Poore

July 30 Communion

Blaine Wanke

++++++++++++

Al Bosman

Ken Anderson* Scott Ehlers Glenn Benitz Art Schmidt ++++++++++++ Scott Klittich* Matt Schultze P. Sandstrum Mike Elbert

Nancy Fitch &

Millie Dunivin

Todd Harter

++++++++++

Linda Elbert

Carmene Meyer +++++++++++++

Pete & Irma Sandstrum

Chandler Supple

+++++++++++++

Esper Petersen III

Aug 6 Communion Dave Schmidt

++++++++++++

Bob Hutchison

Blaine Wanke* Gene O’Neal Keith Hedrick Todd Harter ++++++++++++ M. McCracken* Tom LaJeunesse

Dale SieberSusan Klein

++++++++++ Erin Schultze

+++++++++++++

Sharon McCracken

William Frye

+++++++++++++

Judy Nomi

9:30 Service Elder Readers 7/2 Dave Hutter/Bob Weaver Tom Waddell 7/9 Dave Hutter/Bob Weaver Susan Weaver 7/16 Dave Hutter/Bob Weaver Jane Capodice 7/23 Dave Hutter/Bob Weaver John Capodice 7/30 Bob Weaver/Dave Hutter Craig Frye 8/6 Bob Weaver/Tom Waddell Steve Herman

ACOLYTES: If you have any conflicts, please call Mike Schultze 302-0888 or the Elder in charge. READERS: If you have any conflicts, please call the secretary, Cheryl Sanders (805) 482-3313.

2017 July Servers